In a game showcasing many of the nation’s best high school basketball players, leave it to one from Venezuela to steal the spotlight.
In an at-times ragged 33rd Capital Classic, Montrose Christian’s Greivis Vasquez brought order to the court. The University of Maryland-bound guard, who came to America two years ago, steadied the Capital All-Stars when they needed it most.
But in the fourth quarter, the Capital All-Stars didn’t have enough to keep up with the loaded U.S. All-Stars, 120-117.
“I just love the game so much and have a passion for it,” said Vasquez. “I can’t stand losing. This game isn’t about winning.”
In addition to the usual array of all-star game errors, there were breathtaking plays from the opening tap. Bobby Shannon (Potomac) had a trio of memorable dunks. Cliff Dixon (Suitland) broke away for a vicious tomahawk slam. Nigel Munson (DeMatha/Virginia Tech) worked his particular brand of point guard magic.
The U.S. All-Stars weren’t as dynamic. But wore down the locals with their size and depth. DeShawn Sims (Detroit/Michigan) had 23 points and six rebounds. Anthony Wright (Oak Hill, Va./ Michigan) contributed 13 points and 10 rebounds. Jamil Tucker (Gary, Ind./Virginia) had 11 points and five rebounds. Jonathan Mitchell (Mt. Vernon, N.Y./Florida) had 14 points and eight boards. William Graves (Greensboro/North Carolina) contributed 10 points and 8 rebounds.
The U.S. rolled to a 23-18 lead in the first period before the Capital All-Stars surged behind guards Munson (10 points, 4 assists) and Vasquez (13 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists). When Vasquez streaked for a layup and Munson followed with a fastbreak feed to Michael Gruner (Whitman), the Capital All-Stars had a 46-33 lead midway through the second quarter.
But after that, the U.S. All-Stars chipped away. With Vasquez out of the game through the entire third quarter, the U.S. caught and passed the Capital squad, finishing the quarter with a 15-2 run led by Doneal Mack (Charlotte/Florida), who had 13 points and 6 rebounds.
Shannon, who led the Capital All-Stars with 20 points, led a fourth-quarter rally. Louis Birdsong (Mt. St. Joe/George Mason) tied it 103-103 with a layup, but down the stretch, the U.S. was too efficient at the offensive end. Former Churchill High guard Jerome Dyson (Snider, N.H./U-Conn) hit a big basket and added two free throws as the U.S. took the lead for good.
Local stars shine brightly at classic
On a night when some of the top high school basketball players in the country visited Washington, D.C. for the Capital Classic All-Star game it was a group of local players who shined.
The Capital All-Star team almost pulled the upset of the U.S. All-Stars before falling, 120-117, at the Smith Center last night. It was one more chance for the Capital All-Stars to play in front of a home crowd and the first opportunity for area basketball fans to see some future local college stars.
George Washington signee Damian Hollis scored four points and Georgetown recruit Jeremiah Rivers added three points for the U.S. All-Stars. Louis Birdsong (George Mason) and Eric Hayes (Maryland) totaled six points each for the Capital All-Stars.
“I don’t want to think about how bad I played,” Rivers said. “But it doesn’t matter. The crowds were so appreciative of us and it was a lot of fun to play in a game like this.”
— Brian McNally
